La Trobe University has appointed AI transformation leader Phil Laufenberg as its inaugural Pro Vice-Chancellor (Artificial Intelligence) and Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer - a landmark appointment that positions the University at the forefront of AI-enabled higher education in Australia.
The first role of its kind in the Australian university sector, the appointment signals La Trobe's decisive shift from experimentation to full institutional deployment. It cements the University's ambition to become an AI-first university - embedding artificial intelligence responsibly and at scale across learning and teaching, research, and professional services.
La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell said the appointment marks a defining moment in the University's transformation.
"Our Responsible AI Adoption Strategy has always been grounded in our people. We are transforming into an AI-first university so we can ensure our graduates are ready for employment in a world that is being reshaped by AI. Over the past two years, we have upskilled staff, built a vibrant community of practice, piloted high-impact use cases, and tested secure agentic AI systems," Professor Farrell said.
"We are now entering the next phase: institution-wide deployment. By 2027, every La Trobe student and staff member will have access to advanced AI tools - implemented in ways that are innovative, ethical and genuinely transformative for education, research, student support and service delivery."
"Phil brings a rare combination of deep technical expertise, sector‑wide experience and values‑driven leadership. His appointment ensures we have the leadership capability to translate our AI ambition into sustained institutional impact for our students, staff and communities."
Phil Laufenberg said he was excited to join La Trobe at a pivotal moment for the University and the sector.
"La Trobe has set one of the most ambitious and values‑led AI agendas in Australian higher education," Phil said.
"I'm excited as the prospect of working with La Trobe senior executive, academics and professional teams to help embed AI in ways that genuinely improve learning, research and work - while maintaining trust, integrity and a strong focus on people.
"This is a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity for universities to rethink how they operate and how they create value. La Trobe is well positioned to lead that change, and I'm honoured to be part of that journey."
Reporting directly to the Vice‑Chancellor, the Pro Vice‑Chancellor (AI) will provide whole‑of‑University leadership, coordination and assurance for AI strategy and investment. The role will align AI initiatives across schools and professional divisions, while preserving academic autonomy and ensuring strong governance, trust and compliance.
About Phil Laufenberg
Phil Laufenberg joins La Trobe with more than a decade of experience partnering with universities across Australia to design and deliver AI‑enabled learning platforms and enterprise solutions. Most recently, he served as Head of AI at Macquarie University, where he led institution‑wide AI transformation spanning governance, platforms, staff capability and student experience.
At Macquarie, Phil established university‑wide AI governance frameworks, chaired the AI Governance Committee, and led the deployment of award‑winning AI solutions supporting tens of thousands of students and staff. His work has been recognised with national sector awards for enhancing the student experience.
He has also held senior product and technology leadership roles in the education and innovation sector, and is a published author and regular speaker on AI, digital learning and organisational change.
About the new role - delivering La Trobe's AI-first ambition
As Pro Vice‑Chancellor (AI), Phil Laufenberg will lead the development and delivery of La Trobe's Responsible AI Adoption Strategy, with a focus on scaling proven solutions, embedding AI into core platforms and ways of working, and ensuring measurable value and accountability.
He will work closely with senior academic and professional leaders to drive AI‑enabled breakthroughs in learning, teaching, assessment, research competitiveness and operational transformation, while strengthening the University's data, platform and security foundations.
The appointment builds on the announcement of several major AI initiatives at La Trobe, including a strategic partnership with Microsoft and CyberCX to enable workforce upskilling in AI, the deployment of an NVIDIA DGX H200 supercomputer - the first to be commissioned by an Australian university - to transform medical and biotech research, and the University's landmark collaboration with OpenAI, which is delivering equitable access to AI tools and embedding AI across curriculum and research at scale.
Phil Laufenberg will commence in the role on 6 April.
